Why immigration is a major issue for women

"On the House side, U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D.-Calif., formed a Women’s Working Group on Immigration Reform, whose members have been delivering speeches and sending colleagues letters about women and immigration.

Politically, both immigrants and women have shown their voting power. President Obama and recently re-elected New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie each won 55 percent of the women’s vote. Obama also won enormous majorities of immigrant voters, while Christie snagged 51 percent of the Latino vote, compared to his opponent’s 29 percent.

In the end, Republicans should understand that a vote against immigration reform is a vote against women. Sexist comments and inaction on immigration reform will simply lead to continued alienation of women and immigrants. It will also leave millions of women and families separated and living in the shadows.

It’s time for the House to get to work and stop stalling on passing a comprehensive immigration-reform bill that is fair to women and that keeps families together. America’s women and children can’t wait any longer." - Pramila Jayapal and LeeAnn Hall, Nov. 16, 2013.